Elite Stays New York - do you know anything about them?
Jun 22nd, 2010, 01:49 AM
#1
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Elite Stays New York - do you know anything about them?
This is the website:
http://www.elitecitystays.com/
I have noticed some instances where booking.com has cheaper rates than the website. The reviews on booking.com are reasonably good.
I don't see anything on TripAdvisor.
My concern is that so many NYC apartments are dodgy in some way, in the sense that they are being sublet when it's against the rules, etc. Does anyone know anything about this company and its apartments?
http://www.elitecitystays.com/
I have noticed some instances where booking.com has cheaper rates than the website. The reviews on booking.com are reasonably good.
I don't see anything on TripAdvisor.
My concern is that so many NYC apartments are dodgy in some way, in the sense that they are being sublet when it's against the rules, etc. Does anyone know anything about this company and its apartments?
Jun 22nd, 2010, 03:32 PM
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What I am wondering is if this site is an exception to the dodgy issue, as it is being used by major booking sites (Booking.com is owned by Priceline, and I actually saw these apartments on Priceline's retail site). At this point, I am just researching for a mid-late-April stay in 2011, which may or may not involve 1-2 other people besides myself.
"Elite Stays" does not show up on a TripAdvisor search.
McLaurie, what about the addresses do you dislike? I know the Financial District ones are obviously not very central, and the United Nations ones are not close to the subway.
"Elite Stays" does not show up on a TripAdvisor search.
McLaurie, what about the addresses do you dislike? I know the Financial District ones are obviously not very central, and the United Nations ones are not close to the subway.
Jun 22nd, 2010, 04:25 PM
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"What I am wondering is if this site is an exception to the dodgy issue, as it is being used by major booking sites (Booking.com is owned by Priceline, and I actually saw these apartments on Priceline's retail site)."
Plenty of dodgy hotels show up on Expedia and other legitimate travel sites. Look at the listings here for "Woogoo" and you'll see what I mean
Plenty of dodgy hotels show up on Expedia and other legitimate travel sites. Look at the listings here for "Woogoo" and you'll see what I mean
Jun 22nd, 2010, 05:18 PM
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If you want an apartment then book one of the apartment/hotels such as affinia....
Did you take my suggestion and research this subject? I don't think so, or you would not continue a discussion about that site....
Did you take my suggestion and research this subject? I don't think so, or you would not continue a discussion about that site....
Jun 22nd, 2010, 06:10 PM
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At the risk of starting another NYC apartment tirade, I have to say that WillTravel's question deserves a decent answer. As experienced travelers they have already acknowledged the potential danger and want to know about this specific property. Also I have to disagree with the statement "none of those addresses are great". Not sure what the defining criteria for "great" is, but these are hardly in the slums and may work for WillTravel, that's not for us to determine.
I don't have any first hand experience with Elite City Stays, I have only seem their ads in New York magazine as short term corporate rentals (which proves nothing either way) Maybe we could hear from someone who has actually used the company?
I don't have any first hand experience with Elite City Stays, I have only seem their ads in New York magazine as short term corporate rentals (which proves nothing either way) Maybe we could hear from someone who has actually used the company?
Jun 22nd, 2010, 08:42 PM
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SusieQQ, not sure what you are on about. I did look up Elite Stays at TripAdvisor and found nothing. On Booking.com, the properties get reviewer ratings in the 8/10 range. So if you are aware of some horror stories about Elite Stays, please point me to them. Affinia is much more expensive.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 01:56 AM
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I suggested reseaching renting apartments in New York City, particularly in the Trip Advisor NYC Forum not Elite Stays.....if you had, you would not even consider this rental....
I give up commenting on this subject.....people do what they want to do regardless.
I give up commenting on this subject.....people do what they want to do regardless.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 02:37 AM
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Actually, I have been reading those NYC apartment threads for years, which is why I initially posted the question. If I just listened to all the horror stories on the Internet, I would never have traveled to all the places I've traveled.
So far, no one has posted any personal knowledge of Elite Stays, but I will investigate further.
So far, no one has posted any personal knowledge of Elite Stays, but I will investigate further.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 03:22 AM
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There is a new thread about a woman who just rented a penthouse apartment in New York. She was advised over and over in advance that it was a scam as "all" such rentals are in NYC, and some posters seemed to scold her for not listening to them and telling her she'd be sorry. Well, her new post was to say she is back and to let us know how wonderful it was.
MOST apartment rentals in NYC may be scams, but not ALL, regardless of what a few here will insist.
MOST apartment rentals in NYC may be scams, but not ALL, regardless of what a few here will insist.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 03:26 AM
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Oh, and it's really helpful (note my tongue in cheek) when someone suggests that the poster should just rent a $350 or $400 a night place instead of what appears to be a better apartment for a fraction of the price. Sort of like saying, "don't take a chance on the Hampton Inn, just stay at the Four Seasons instead".
Jun 23rd, 2010, 06:02 AM
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I've never heard of this co. Here's an older thread with the very long debate on the issues pro and con of renting apartments in NYC for less than a month. Please note my post which I believe succinctly answers WHY NYers have no interest in helping visitors rent black market apts.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...326-442010.cfm
In that thread, NeoPatrick makes the point that Worldwide Plaza and/or Executive Plaza DO allow short term rentals. If that's the case, fine. Look at those. Affinia.com, Beaconhotel.com and Milburnhotel.com are some of the many other apartment hotels that are perfectly legal. Jacksbandb.com, www.wymanhouse.com and West-eleventh.com are some b & b's considered on the up and up where you can see reviews on tripadvisor.
As to my comment about those listings not being great addresses, you're right, it was a stupid, off-handed shorthand answer. What I should have said is some are not very close to a subway, some are not in nice buildings or are walk ups, some are not central and some are in areas where you could easily find a LEGAL, reputable apartment style rental like the Eastgate Towers, the Beekman Towers, Candlewood Suites.
I will also tell you if you're looking for next April, the prices you'll see on many hotel websites are "rack rates" and could well be less.
If willtravel would like to start a new thread asking for help for whatever it is he/she needs (dates, budget, number of beds/people) I'm sure many of us would be happy to offer some above board ideas.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...326-442010.cfm
In that thread, NeoPatrick makes the point that Worldwide Plaza and/or Executive Plaza DO allow short term rentals. If that's the case, fine. Look at those. Affinia.com, Beaconhotel.com and Milburnhotel.com are some of the many other apartment hotels that are perfectly legal. Jacksbandb.com, www.wymanhouse.com and West-eleventh.com are some b & b's considered on the up and up where you can see reviews on tripadvisor.
As to my comment about those listings not being great addresses, you're right, it was a stupid, off-handed shorthand answer. What I should have said is some are not very close to a subway, some are not in nice buildings or are walk ups, some are not central and some are in areas where you could easily find a LEGAL, reputable apartment style rental like the Eastgate Towers, the Beekman Towers, Candlewood Suites.
I will also tell you if you're looking for next April, the prices you'll see on many hotel websites are "rack rates" and could well be less.
If willtravel would like to start a new thread asking for help for whatever it is he/she needs (dates, budget, number of beds/people) I'm sure many of us would be happy to offer some above board ideas.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 09:06 AM
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The prices through Booking.com are as low as $149 (Financial District) or $159 (United Nations area) for a studio for 3, which is cheaper than the company's website. I wouldn't necessarily think that a studio is comfortable for 3, but the point is, I doubt that a comparable fully-equipped hotel room can be found for that price, even if prices drop by April.
The reason I haven't posted a thread with exactly what I want is that I'm still figuring out exactly what I want, and also waiting to hear from other possible trip accompaniers, who probably won't know for months.
The reason I haven't posted a thread with exactly what I want is that I'm still figuring out exactly what I want, and also waiting to hear from other possible trip accompaniers, who probably won't know for months.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 09:18 AM
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WT, FWIW, we stayed at Affinia Gardens this past April for $169/n for Jr suite. This was a deal I found via Travelzoo back in Feb. The Affinia group also offered the Affinia Manhattan for $159/n for 1BR suite plus free breakfast.
These prices I quoted were refundable rates; I believe non-refundable rates were $20-$30 lower.
They're not as cheap as the Elite Stays you're quoting, plus who knows what hotel rates will be like for 2011... but just FYI.
These prices I quoted were refundable rates; I believe non-refundable rates were $20-$30 lower.
They're not as cheap as the Elite Stays you're quoting, plus who knows what hotel rates will be like for 2011... but just FYI.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 09:27 AM
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YK, that sounds like a good deal, particularly with breakfast, and I remember that furthermore you got upgraded (although one could hardly count on that). I will keep an eye out for such a deal.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 09:40 AM
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WT - we ended up choosing the slightly more expensive Affinia Gardens (without the free breakfast) because of its location. But you're right, we got a discount AND an "upgrade" to a 2BR suite on our first night because our two Jr suites weren't available (other hotel guests were stranded due to the Icelandic volcano).
Since the rooms have kitchens, the free breakfast wasn't a deal-breaker. Because of a private engagement we had, the UES location worked out much better for us than Times Sq.
Since the rooms have kitchens, the free breakfast wasn't a deal-breaker. Because of a private engagement we had, the UES location worked out much better for us than Times Sq.
Jun 23rd, 2010, 09:40 AM
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Neo...thanks for spreading the word! I am the one with the atypical positive experience with a corporate apartment rental in Manhattan.
(See my trip report)
I am awaiting word from the company that owns/rents the apartments to see if they are comfortable being named on Fodors before I give their contact information here. I don't want to kill the golden goose!
The doorman and deskperson(?) seemed fine with us being there, so we didnt feel shady. We were asked to not discuss with residents that we were renters, though, so it may not be fully "legal."
Do email me if you would like the information, though, to check it out on your own. [email protected]
(See my trip report)
I am awaiting word from the company that owns/rents the apartments to see if they are comfortable being named on Fodors before I give their contact information here. I don't want to kill the golden goose!
The doorman and deskperson(?) seemed fine with us being there, so we didnt feel shady. We were asked to not discuss with residents that we were renters, though, so it may not be fully "legal."
Do email me if you would like the information, though, to check it out on your own. [email protected]
